Chapter 1171

Everyone felt that Xianna was right. To them, it was better to wear a generic brand than a counterfeit.

Since Stella did not look like she could afford to wear a designer dress, the people believed that she bought a replica to save her face after her downfall. After all, not many people had ever seen the famous phoenix embroidery in real life.

“I can’t believe she resorted to wearing knockoffs when she used to wear so many high-end designs before.”

“I know, right? The embroidery looks like the real thing, but there’s still a difference if you look close enough. The feathers on the phoenix seem different from the original piece.”

“She should’ve worn something less recognizable, in my opinion. I mean, that design literally went viral online. She has to be dense to wear that.”

“I think she’s rather smart. How else are people going to notice her if she doesn’t wear a Lea Sartorre knockoff? After all, she always had to be the center of attention back when she was Mrs. Kane.”

Sophia was thrilled when she heard that. ‘There’s no way Stella could get her hands on an original Lea Sartorre when she’s just a newcomer in the entertainment industry and no longer part of the Kane family. She’s clearly trying to keep up appearances.’

Sophia smirked and said, “It seems you’re really fond of Lea Sartorre’s work, sis. You even found someone to create a duplicate of it. Sorry, I didn’t notice it before.”

Stella glanced at her and indifferently said, “That’s understandable. People who don’t really know much tend to see things differently.”

Upon hearing that, Sophia got mad. ‘I see someone’s skin got thicker after the divorce,’ she thought.

She was about to say something when a voice came across the room. “The thread used in Lea Sartorre’s work is specially made for her. There’s nothing similar for sale on the market. Do all of you really think that Stella found someone to create an exact replica of the famous phoenix with normal thread?”

The crowd turned around to see a middle-aged woman wearing a plain-colored gown slowly walking over. The woman looked ordinary, but her dress was spectacular.

Everyone was confused as to who that person was. “Who are you? Are you even knowledgeable enough to say that?” Xianna frowned and asked.

The woman glanced at Xianna indifferently and replied, “I’m in the fashion design industry, so I’d like to think I know a thing or two.”

“It’s funny how you’re commenting on the situation when all you know is ‘a thing or two’,” said Xianna, but the woman did not pay any attention to her.

Instead, she walked toward Stella with elegance and politely said, “Ms. Jewell, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I wasn’t able to attend the National Embroidery Exhibition this year, and I wasn’t able to see this piece of art with my own eyes. Initially, I wanted to ask Lea if she could show it to me, but I was told that it had already been gifted to someone. I didn’t think I would be fortunate enough to run into Lea’s work here today. Would you allow me to take a closer look and take a few pictures, Ms. Jewell?”

Stella smiled. “Of course,” she said.

The woman thanked her and grabbed a camera from her assistant. She then observed Stella’s dress while recording the embroidery details.

Suddenly, someone from the crowd excitedly said, “Isn’t that Annie Crawford?”

“Annie Crawford? Who’s that?”

“She’s Wendy Carlson’s mentor. Wendy Carlson studied fashion under her, but they had a fallout. After that, Carlson branched out to start her own business.”